Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File [ILLEGIBLE], Joseph French, Va.

SERVICE
NUMBER
French Joseph Judah
W. 79.
CONTENTS

22161 West Tennessee
Joseph French
of Pentepole in the State of W. Tennessee who was a private in the company commanded by Captain Villard of the regt. commanded by Col. Hughes on the Virginian line for 8 months for 17f
died 24th Jan'y, 1838. Letter 21. April 1837. Pensioned
Paid at the Treasury under the Act of the 6th April 1838 from 4 Sept 1837 to the 24 Jan'y 1838, the day of his death Age 60. Notified 27 Feb'y 1839.
Dead.
Inscribed on the Roll of W. Tennessee at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 15 day of Oct 1833 and sent to Robt C. Dabney Morgan C.S.O.
Arrears to the 4th of Sept 1833 $ 66.66 Semi-ant. allowance ending Dec 24th 34 13.33
$ 80.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, } { Act June 7, 1832. }
Recorded by Wm. H. Ellison Clerk, Book 8 Vol. 7 Page 78

9405 Tennessee,
Judah French, widow of Joseph French, who was a pensioner under the Act of '32 and who died on the 24 Jany 1837 of Fentress in the State of Tenn. who was a Pri in the Com commanded by Captain Dillard of the reg commanded by Hughes in the Virginia line for 8 mos
Inscribed on the Roll of Nashville at the rate of 26 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of June '45 and sent to Hon G. A. Caldwell Columbia.
Total amount $ Ky. H Resolution [Act July 7, 1838.]
Recorded by J. L. Swann Clerk, Book Vol. 1 Page 315

No 20003 Joseph French Tenants County W. Tennessee
for - points Jan 6 $26.66 100
Rob. A. Babney, Morgan C. H. William Lockardson Stamstown Tennessee

County of  BRIEF in the case of  Joseph French  of  in the State of  Mississippi  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? a court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 72.  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     Vol In 17 3 about 40. Private Gen. Adair , Col Seay " Shelton " Hughes Lieut Sale " Hampton Capt Galliard " Hubel . Postile   1787 full time 2 few days he thinks his service amount in all to at least 8 months "  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Henry Co Ky  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? Traditional evidence  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? No public seal of office & the papers not connected as the regulations require 
X  Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Dyer Castor Examining Clerk.

4751
Judah Friends of Joseph Turner
act 7 July 3 80
acount 8 mo per 26.66
Also acts 3 March & 17 June
26.66.
act 43 - 7890 " 44 710 657
died 24 Jan 1837
Rev. G. A. Caldwell Columbia Ken.

State of Tennessee Hentrep County 3.55
on this the 4th day of January 1839 personally appeared before me John Gauney — a Justice of the peace in and for the county aforesaid Judah French a resident citizen of the county of Hentrep State of Tennessee aged Seventy two years some best calculation having no record of her age, who being first, duly sworn according to law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of congress passed July 7th 1838 entitled an act granting half pay and Pensions, to certain widows; that she is the widow of Joseph French who was a pri- vate Soldier in the War of the Revolution and a Revolutionary Pensioner of the United States, as appears from reference to an original certificate of Pension now in her possession of which the following is a true copy;
War Department. Revolutionary Claims
I certify, that in conformity with the law

of the united States of the 7th June 1832 Joseph French of the State of Tennessee who was a private in the army of the Revolu- tion is entitled to receive twenty six dollars and Sixty Six cents per annum, during his natural life commencing on the 4th of March 1831, and payable semi annually on the 4th of March, and 4th of September in every year,
Given at the War office of the united States this fifteenth day of October one thousand Eight hundred and thirty three
Examined and counterigned
Lewis Cass Secretary of war
Geo Wm Cump acting Commissioner of Pensions
She further States and Declares that she was married to the said Joseph French in Henry county Virginia by John Newman a Baptist preacher at the house of John Abbingdon She positively States she was married to the said Joseph French, as herein set forth, but owing to the great lapse of time she cannot

State with certainty the day of the month her marriage took place, but distinctly Recollects that, it was in harvest time of cutting wheat and rye and she really it was about the first day of July, and She recollects, that it was the Second Summer after her said husband was at, the Siege at Little York, that She was acquainted with, with her said husband Joseph French, before he served in the army and recollects, that the same took place the second Summer after the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis and She believes, that it was, in July seventeen hundred and Eighty three, She being no Schollar, and as to dates, and calculates from her marriage, from it being the second summer after the Surrender of Cornwallis, She positively States that, William French the oldest child born of the bodies of Joseph French her deceased husband and herself was born, about twelve months after their said marriage, and as now fifty four years old past, that She has no Record of her said marriage, that her said husband's family Record has been destroyed, some years past, that her hus

the aforesaid Joseph French died on the 24 th day of January one thousand eig- ht hundred and thirty Seven in Fen- tress County State of Tennessee, that She was not married to him prior to his leaving the service, but she positively states, that her said marriage, took place previous to the first day of Jan- uary Seventeen hundred and ninety four viz at the time and as above stated
Sworn and subscribed the day and year above written before me
John Galloway just east of the place
Joseph French mark

State of Tennessee Dent on — County 3
Personally appeared before me John Gauney a Justice of the peace in for said County. Rebecca French daughter of Joseph French Deceased & daughter of his Judah French the now widow of said Joseph, she the said Rebec- ca being Respectable and worthy of credit, and after being duly sworn on her oath States that she is forty four years old ever since Oc- tober last past agreeable to her un- doubted account, and that she has four Brothers older than herself to wit William William , Josiah, Thomas and John, that she from Every calculation, as received from her father and Mother, that they were married in something less than two years after her said fathers return from the siege at York, that the same is according

the information, that she has received from her Deceased father, and mother and from all surrounding circumstances that she never has had the least doubt of the same, that she from her calculation, understands, that Willi- am French her father and mother's oldest child is now upwards of fifty four years old, she positively states that her father Joseph French died on the 24th day of January 1838 and that his said Widow Judah French has remained a widow ever since her said husband's death sworn and subscribed the day and year above written before me
John Gauney Justice of the peace
Rebecca French
State of Tennessee Fentress County
John Gauney Justice of the peace in and for

the County aforesaid certify, that I have attended, at the house of Judith French widow of Joseph French deceased to take her Declaration she being unable to attend court from bodily infirmity, that I believe her said Declaration is true, that I am convinced from my acquaintance, with the family and that from a very intimate acquaintance, ever since the year one thousand Eight hundred and sixteen that the same is true
Given under my hand at the house of Judith French in Tipton County Tennessee this 4th day of January 1839
John Gauney Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee Tipton County 3
I John W Richardson clerk of the county court of Tipton aforesaid certify that John Gauney is a magistrate as above and that the foregoing signatures purporting to be his are Genuine
In testimony whereof I have hereunto affixed my seal of office and subscribed my seal of office at office in Samdon, this 21st day of January 1839
John W Richardson Clerk of the County Court of Tipton County By John Richardson D.C.

Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed the 7th June 1832,
State of Tennessee, Shelby County } on this the _____ day of
October
1832 personally appeared in the court of pleaders quarter sessions now sitting for the county of Shelby aforesaid, which is a court of record Joseph French a resident citizen of United States
and of said county and state aforesaid aged 72 years in August last and after being no record of his sworn according to Law doth on his oath make
the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 7th June 1832
that he entered the service of the United States in the revolutionary war, in the county of Henry in the state of Virginia the dates of the times of service his at also but it was in the fall season of the year he marched off from Henry County Virginia a volunteer though it was understood that it should stand as a drafted Tower, John Dilliard was his captain and Abram Penn Col we marched to the mills Moravien Town in North Carolina - there and then to the then Moravian Town it being another house of the Moravians

where there was some  North Carolina Hogg, we march d from there to the shallow ford of Yadkin and as we assid march d to the shallow ford we met some few wounded coming from the shallow ford that had been wounded in a skirmish between the Tories and Whigs, from thence we cross d turn d up the Yadkin in search of the Tories and cross d the Yadkin in various places and went to the Holl- ows of the Yadkin and march d to various places and finally return d home to Henry County Virginia and was discharged by said captain for a threemonths tour, He was after once before that occasionally called on to go against the Tories in North Carolina once under Captain Shelton, and Col. Houghs and Station d about three five weeks near the hollows of the Yadkin serv d about seven weeks that time and was dismissed and went home and march d off again in a third  time time thereafter under Lieutenant Peter Lake to guard General Sumpter's Waggons to South Carolina we went some distance into North Carolina and was put under Col Hampton did not go on with the waggons, through fear of the

enemy, was finally discharged from service after being out from home about fifteen  or twenty  days and returned home and was again called out agreeable to number and went into North Carolina under his former Captain Dilliard, and marched to several places, and and finally was dismissed from service after serving about fifteen a very few days and Sometime thereafter was called out agreeable to enrollment and marched off from Henry County under Captain first his name not recoll- ected, staid under said captain but a few days and was then put under Capt James Pestle and serv d under Captain the remainder of my time. He was under Major Waller, they marched through various places in Virginia to Petersburg and Cabin Point, thence near old Lane, Lanes Cross, James river at Swans Point and thence Williamsburg and finally went to York we joined the militia of Bedford County Virginia at Swans Point when he arriv d at York, was under Col Zucker, he was put to the most servile labor at York for many days and was badly strained in his right arm in carrying and throwing on a pole some thing that we made of brush for the purpose

of Breast works, he has never been able to use his said right arm near so well ever since to this day he was sick at York about the time of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis and after his surrender was discharged by his said Captain James Bertete He Had two written discharges for two years terms, one from Captain Shelton and one from Capt Bertete, and his full term he served the full time out he had no discharge written, owing to neglect he states his discharges are lost and that he has no documentary proof of his services, he was Born in Hanover County Virginia and raised in Goochland and Louisa County in said State and was moved to Henry County Virginia where He liv d during the war after the war moved to York district in S. Carolina and there liv d nine =teen years and then moved back to Henry County Virginia and staid there about one year, and then moved to Knox County Tennessee staid there and in Blount County Tennessee about nine years and then moved to Overton County Tennessee, and to the part that is now Fentress County where he has liv d ever since

Hee has no doubt but he can prove his services by a certain they William May whom he learns live some place in the Cherokee nation near Hiwassee and he can prove by said may the most of his services and by John May a brother to said William. The balance of his services said John May lives some place in the Hiwassee District as he believes Hee hereby respectfully submits to this worshipful court whether he shall procure the testimony of said John & William, or will they permit him to give the next best Evidence he can as prescribed by the war department Hee thinks that his services in all amounts in all to at least Eight months and perhaps nine months counting the time of returning home; he has no other possible opportunity of proving services that he knows of Except as herein set forth. Hee hereby relinquishes Every claim whatsoever to a pension or annuity Except the present and Declares his name is not on the Pension Role of the agency of any State
Sworn to in open court before me 23 rd Oct 1832.
Joseph French
John A. Richardson Clerk By Deputy M. H.uffat Re

We Joseph Campbell residing in the county of ... John H Richardson residing in the same ... hereby certify that we are well acquainted with Joseph French ... who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing Declaration that we believe him to be 72 years of age that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion
Sworn to and subscribed in open court this day and year of our Lord
Sworn to in open court before me 23 rd Oct 1832
John H Richardson Cth By Deputy M. Hough
and the said court hereby declare their Opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the war department that the above applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states and the court are of opinion that it would put said

applicant so unnecessary to call to but said witness as there seems to be a general undoubted opinion prevailing with applicants acquaintance that he was a faithful soldier of the revolution and the court further certify that it appears to them that there is no clergyman residing immediately in the neighbor- hood of applicant, and that it appears to them that Joseph Campbell and John H. Richardson who has subscribed and sworn to the foregoing certificate are citizens of the county of French aforesaid and that they are credible men and that their statement is entitled to credit,
W. B. Rodgers Abner Phillips John H. Richardson
State of Tennessee } French County }
Id
I do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph French for a pension in testimony whereof have here to set my hand and private seal there being there being no being no public seal of office at office in James Town this This 9th November 1832.
John H. Richardson Clerk of said court

State of Tennessee } John H. Richardson clerk Kentucky County } of the court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of said County do hereby certify that the foregoing contains the original proceedings had in said court in the matter of the application of Joseph French for a pension also certify that at the time of making the original certificate there was then no seal of office
In testimony of which I have hereto set my hand and seal of office done at office the 22 nd day of July A. D. 1833.
John H. Richardson clerk By M. Huff atter D. Elk
800076
700076

79 Rev WIDOW, &c.  no
File No. 79 Judah French Widow Joseph French Brn. Virginia Line
Act: March 3 rd 1843
Index:—Vol. A , Page 252
[Arrangement of 1870.]

Nashville 6989 Tennessee.
Sudah French, widow of Joseph French, Capt Dillard Va who was a Private, in the Virginia Line.
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 26 Dollars 66, Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 day of June '45 and sent to
Rev Geo. A. Caldwell, Plumbia Ky.
[Act of March 3, 1843.]
Recorded in Book A June 17 - 1843 Vol. 2 Page 191
W.H.E.H. Brown Aug 25. 45 Pen cert. sent for correction from D to W. Trabue Columbia Ky Sept 10 '45
L. Cotts:
/ act 1838 / " 1843 & 1844 rep.

4751 Judah French Terre Haute
Reject. Suspended
See let: 6 th July 39 R. A. Barnes
do 20 Sep 1839 let 18 Apr: 1840 to do.
do 31 July 1840
do. 16 Oct: 40
do: 28 Jan: 41
let: 11 May, 1841 to do
let to J. S. Kennedy, 30 June 41
" " Same - 19. May 1845
Act 7 July 1838

Joseph French W. Tm. duty June 1832 to what time paid? Pm Offic. July 5, 1839
which June 1832 Decr 24 Law s 1838 p 2 F. that period JH

State of Kentucky
On this day personally appeared before me Stephen French A Justice of the peace in and for the county of Owens Henry Kenton of his county. A man of general character whose statements are entitled to full credit; and after being duly sworn for that purpose Doth make his oath as follows the following affidavit to wit. that he was well acquainted with Joseph French in Henry County Virginia and his wife the present applicant for a pension. Before they were married for many years after they were married. The applicant knows they were married in Henry County Virginia. But from the great lapse of time he can not recollect the year of their marriage. But knows he was not more than twenty years of age when Mr. French was married to his wife the present applicant for a pen- sion and he applicant is not fair from

Being Eighty years of age. Being Seven of our years of age
Sworn to and Subscribed this 20 th day of June 1839.
Before me
Stephen Sewel Justice of the peace
his Henry H. Dillen mark
State of Tennessee
David County } I John D. Daugherty Clerk of the County Court of said County County hereby Certify that Stephen Sewel is a Justice of the peace as above; and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Seal of Office the 27 th day of June 1839.
John D. Daugherty Clerk of David County Court

State of Tennessee
Overton County } On 14 th day July 1840 Personally appeared before me Stephen Sewell a Justice of the peace in and for the County aforesaid Henry Dillon a Revolutionary Pen- sioner of this County whose State ments are en- titled to full Credit and after being duly sworn for that purpose on his oath States that he was well acquainted with Joseph French and his wife the present applicant for a pension in Henry County Virginia before they were married that he affiant lived with in two or three miles of Joseph French when they was married but from the great length of time he cannot state positively the year of their marriage But Can State positively that they were married before he affiant was married and he affiant was married Before the year Seven hundred & ninetyfour this he knows from the fact that his oldest child to wit Katherine Gumels who was born on the second day of March Seventeen hundred and ninety three Sworn to and subscribed. Henry Dillon to this 14 th day July 1840 Before me
Stephen Sewell Justice of the peace
I Certify that I am well acquainted with Henry Dillon and his family and have been for a grate many years and that he is a highly Respectable man and that I am well acquainted with Katherine Gumel his eldest daught- er and Convinced that she was Born the second day of March Seventeen hundred and ninety three as he States Stephen Sewell J.P.

State of Tennessee
Quatuo Quarta 2 - I John S. Daugherty Clerk of the County Court for Lake County Tennessee, hereby certify that Stephen Sevel is a Justice of the peace as above, and that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the original.
In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal at my office the 26 th day of August, 1840 John S. Daugherty Clerk of Lake County Court.

State of Tennessee Morgan County 3 55
on this the 13 day of May 1840. Personally appeared before me Thomas Jack a Justice of the peace in and for said county James D Bennett Esq Post Master at Morgan Courthouse Tennessee and Merchant whose statements are entitled to full credit, and on his oath states that he was acquainted with a certain Joseph French in Knox County Tennessee, he was well acquainted with him and his family, affiant states that to his best calculation that he was acquainted with them from the year 1806- x and for some time after, that the oldest son of said Joseph and his wife was about the age of affiant, affiant then being fifty four years old, affiant was well acquainted with the family and mustered under said Joseph French as a captain, after he French was over age to be soldier, always understo- od said French to be a Revolutionary

Soldier; and never heard it doubted that he was the husband of the woman with whom he cohabited, that he under- stands and has no doubt, that said Judah French is now living in the joining county to Morgan County, Cournefree town, Tipton County, and from a chain of information he is convinced that she is the widow of said Joseph French though he has not seen her of late but the account from many undoub- ted sources confirms the fact to me beyond and any doubt with me Sworn to and subscribed } to before me this 13 May } 1840
J. D. Burnett
Thomas Jack Justice of the peace for Morgan County

State of Tennessee } Morgan County } ss
On this the 13 th day of May AD 1840 personally appeared before me Thomas Jack a Justice of the peace for said County, Robert A Dalbey the attorney of Mrs. Judah French widow of Joseph French, said Dalbey's state- ment being entitled to full credit and after being duly sworn for that purpose on his oath states that he was well acquainted with Joseph French before she ever drew a Pension, and with his wife Judah French, and states that she is the identical Judah French that was esteemed reputed and called his wife, the fact of which I never have heard doubted, and that she is now his widow, as I have no doubt,
sworn and subscribed this 13 th May 1840 before me
Robt A Dalbey
Thomas Jack Justice of the peace for Morgan County

State of Louisiana Montgomery County
I Samuel P. Vangundy Clerk of the County Court of Montgomery County that Thomas Jackson is an acting justice of the peace for said County as set forth in the fore- going affidavit I further certify the signatures thereto are in his own proper hand writing.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name and affixed my seal of office at office in Montgomery this 13 th day of May A.D. 1840
Samuel P. Vangundy Clerk

State of Tennessee } Frenbreff County } 308
On this the 22 nd day of February 1844 Personally appeared before me James I. Jeffers an acting Justice of the peace in and for the County of Frenbreff State of Tennessee Mrs. Judith French a resident of said County, aged Seventy Seven Years and who after being first duly sworn according to Law doth on her oath make the following Declaration in order to obtain the benefits of the provision made by the act of Congress part the 7 th July 1838 Entitled an act granting half pay & Pensions to certain widows to wit that she is the widow of Joseph French who was a Soldier in the war of the Revolution and she thinks belonged to the Virginia line of Troops and who on account of his service as Soldier in said war and in said line received a Pension of $26 or $28 (she thinks) per annum and to the evidence Composing the matter of the application of her said Husband for said Pension she refers for such facts and particulars as are necessary in the investigation of her Claim, she further Declares that she has no documentary evidence in support of her Claim having lost her family Record, she further Declares that she was married to her said Husband Joseph French in the Summer of Seventeen hundred & Eighty two and that her said Husband Joseph French died on the 24 th January Eighteen hundred and thirty eight, that she was not married to the said Joseph French previous to his leaving the service but the marriage took place prior to the first day

of January 1794 viz at the time above stated She further states that she has previously made Declara- tion to the same facts but for reasons unknown to her has failed. She also refers to her former Declaration for such facts as may be deemed of service in this matter, and she respectfully prays that her claim may be allowed & that the certificate of allowance and all correspondence be directed & sent to William Trabue of Columbia Adair County Kentucky and that she has never since the death of her B. Husband inter- married but still continues his widow sworn to & subscribed on the day } her and year aforesaid before me } Judith F French James Haffner Jp } mark
I the Just said magistrates do state the deponent is presently alive to me and alive to be the widow of Joseph French penultimo who died as I have stated and that she is a lady undoubted veracity and respectability and all her statements made in titled to good faith and credit and that she has never since the death of her said husband intermarried but still remains his widow and that she is fully and able to appear in open court by reason of bodily disability so to do in witness whereof I do hereunto sub- scribe my name this 22 day of February 1844 James F Haffner Jp

State of Tennessee
Sevier County Court April Term 1845
At a County Court duly organized and held at the Town of Sevier Town in and for the County of Sevier on Monday the 2nd day of April 1845, It is ordered to be certified to record that the proceedings in the matter of the application of Mrs. Judith French of this County for a Pension had before James L. Sofford Esq. on the 22nd day of February 1844 be and the same are now submitted to the said Court, and are sanctioned by the said Court, It is further ordered to be certified that the said proceedings are entitled to as full faith and credit as tho' they had been made in open Court
I John H. Richardson Clerk of the County Court of Sevier County State of Tennessee, certify that the above order is truly transcribed from the records in my Office
In testimony whereof have hereunto affixed my seal of office & subscribed my name this 7 day of April 1845
John H. Richardson Clk
By J. H. Richardson

State of Tennessee } 55 Henry County } on this 19th day of June 1845 before me William Lee a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Davidson Forrest with whom I am personally acquainted a resident Citizen of Clinton County Ky but only thirteen miles distance from my residence in Henry County Tennessee he being a man of good moral character and of most undoubted veracity his age being seventy eight years of age and after being first duly sworn for that purpose made the following affidavit (Viz) That he was raised in Buckingham County State of Virginia and that some time in the fall season of seventeen hundred and ninety one that affiant was hired to go with a man by the name of Chambers to Henry County State of Virginia after three head of horses that Chambers had at one Smiths in Henry County and in passing affiant was taken sick and stopped at the house of Joseph Hrench whose wife was named Ludgha staid there two days and formed a very lasting acquaintance with Joseph Hrench and also with Ludgha as he then thought and yet believes for they lived together as husband and wife at that time and was reputed as such affiant states that the reason that he is clear on that date is because that he was promised himself to be married and the day was appointed and that it was soon after his return from Henry to Buckingham County that she was married he knows

from the date of the age of his own children that it was in the date of ninety one that he himself was married and that after affiant moved to this Country that he again called at the h. of Joseph French and that the same Judah French & that then lived with him then is the present applicant for a Pension for they all recognized one another and spoke of the time that affiant was sick at their house so that he is fully certain that Joseph French Esqr who is now dead lived with this same Judah French and acted like man and wife and was reputed as such in 1791 many other reasons he could state that convinces him of the correctness of it being the same persons and of the date which he has spoken of sworn to and Subscribed this 19 th day of June 1845 before me his mark Davidson Jones Justice of the peace William Lee
(State of Tennessee) Set
Henry County ss on this 19 th day of June 1845 before me William Lee a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Ann Flowers, with whom I am person- ally acquainted a resident Citizen of this County a Pensioner of the United States on account of the service of her dead husband Roland Flowers being an old woman of first rate reputation in every respect and after being duly sworn on her oaths says

that after her and Roland Flowers were married but a short time and before her first son was born which is now fifty two years of age that she formed an acquaintance with Joseph French and Judah French who was then living together as husband and wife and had one child whose name she thinks was William French that the Judah French an applicant for a Pension is the identical person known by circumstances and from her old husband's acquaintance being renewed with Joseph French Esq. in this County that the case is fairly clear that this same Judah French is the widow of Joseph French and that they were reputed as husband and wife in 1793 and believes that they had been married from the circumstance some time before she was acquainted with them sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned
Before me William Lee Justice of the peace F. Flowers Mark
State of Tennessee Sevier County I John H. Richardson Clerk of the County Court of said County hereby certify that William Lee is a Justice of the peace as above and that the foregoing signature purporting to be his are genuine In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office this 19 th day of June 1845 John H. Richardson Clerk By Ant. Cooper Secy

State of Tennessee ss
Sevier County ss
On this 22nd day of March 1843 before me James Leffler a Justice of the peace in and for said County personally appeared Judah Fraench a residant Citizen of said County aged seventy eight years with whom I am personally acquainted of good moral character and of most undoubted veracity and after being duly sworn for that purpose on her said Oath makes the following Declaration by way of an amendment and explanation to a former Declaration made by her in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed July 7 th 1838 She also makes this Declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 3 rd March 1843 granting a Pension for one year, And to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress passed 17 th June 1844 and the benefit of the Resolution of Congress of the 23 rd January 1845 restoring certain widows to the benefit of the act of 7 th June 1838 and 23 rd August 1842 But was prohibited from allowing a Pension for that portion of time that her her husband (to wit) Joseph Fraench drew for by the act of the 30 th April 1844) She now relies on her former Declaration and the proof which is now on file in the Pension office as forming a part of this Declaration She is still the widow of the said Joseph Fraench who was a Pensioner

of the United States at the rate of Twenty six Dollars and 66 Cents per annum under the act of 7 th June 1832 and was a citizen of Humphreys County State of Tennessee at the time he was Pensioned and at the time of his death She prays that all the papers in support of her claim be examined and the communication made of the result to her friend James L Kennedy Esq at Pall Mall Tennessee as soon as practicable she further states that after the act of 7 th July 1838 was passed that she employed W. A. Dalbey Esq to present her claim to the Department which she believes he did but being situated so distant from application and doing as she believes the best he could from some cause did not obtain the same then afterwards a Mr Trabue promised to attend to it but not having done so and after having been recommended to call on Esq Pay Kennedy and after hearing his Council of the affidavit of Henry Dillon of Overton County is not on file she can prove by him that she was married to said Joseph French a long before the date of 17 th the age of William French the first son of her and the said Joseph French and will testify William French was born June the 15 th 1783 which he will swear is the date of his birth as his father always informed him which he never doubts if necessary divine witnesses.

will testify that Joseph Grinech was a Revolutionary soldier that applicant was married to him in 1782 as she believes from the ages of her children and other past events sworn to and subscribed the day & date first above written.
Sudah her Grinech mark
before me J. I. Lefler
Justice of the peace
I certify that I am personally acquainted with Mrs. Sudah Grinech the present applicant for a Pension and know her to be the widow of Joseph Grinech who was a Pensioner of the United States as she has declared I believe her Declaration to be true and I certify that she is unable to attend Court from old age and infirmity.
In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 22nd day of March 1845.
J. I. Lefler Justice of the peace
State of Tennessee } ss Greene County }
On this 22nd day of March 1845 - before the subscriber a Justice of the peace for said County personally appeared William Grinech with whom I am personally acquainted a man of most undoubted veracity and made oath that from the information that he always has had from his father viz. Joseph Grinech who was a Revolutionary

Pensioner under the act of June 7 th 1832
and from his mother Judah French who is now an applicant for a pension under the different acts of Congress that he William was born in Henry County State of Virginia on the 15 th day of June 1783 that from his earliest recollection to the present day he always understood that his Father and Mother (viz) Joseph and Judah French had been lawfully married before his birth that he has been recognized in law as their legitimate son of Joseph and Judah French never heard of their being doubted by any person whatever (sworn to and subscribed the day and year last above mentioned)
before me J. J. Liffre Sp William French
R. D. Spence 11. 1845
State of Kentucky
Franklin County ss I do hereby certify that James J. Liffre
is a true copy of the above and that the foregoing signature belongs to the said James J. Liffre In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office
This 25 th day of March 1845 John H. Richardson Clerk by R. H. McWilliams CC.

Joseph French Persian papers -
9 months

State of Tennessee
Fentress County } on this the 22 nd day of July 1833,
personally appeared before the Justices of the Court of pleas and quarter sessions, for the county of Fentress aforesaid now sitting which is a Court of record Joseph French a resident citizen of said county, and after being duly sworn according to Law, on his oath deposes and makes the following amendment to his original Declaration, in order to ob- tain the benefit of the act of congress of the 7 th June 1832; he states that it was out of his power at the time of arrange- -ing his original Declaration, to get a clergyman there being no clergymen within his vicinity, and is still out of his power for the same reason he states that he served in the revolutionary war at least Eight months a private soldier, as already stated in his original Declaration for which he claims a Pension sworn to and subscribed in open
Court the day & year aforesaid sworn to in open court July 22 nd 1833 John H Richardson Atty
Joseph French

and the court hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter that the said applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served agreeable to his statement in his original, and amended Declaration, and the court further certify that they are personally acquainted with said applicant and that his reputation as having been a soldier of the revolution is general and undoubted, and that he is a man of undoubted veracity, and is now and has been a Justice of the peace of this county and a man of entire credibility, and good demeanor;.
W. B. Rodgers John Thornton Thomas Beatty
Seal of Winnipeg 3  3 I John H. Richardson Pembina county Clerk of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions of said county do hereby Certify that the foregoing contains the amended proceedings of the said court in the matter of the application of Joseph French for a pension In testimony of which I have hereto set my hand and affixed seal of office yet provided at office the 23 rd day of July A. D. 1833. John H. Richardson By M c Hoffaker D. Clk

State of Tennessee Humphreys County 90
On this the 22 nd day of February 1844 Personally appeared before me James J. Jeffries an acting Justice of the Peace in and for the County aforesaid Mr. William French a resident of said Coun- ty and who after being first duly sworn according to Law doth on his Oath State that he is the son of Joseph French & Judith his wife & that he will be sixty one years of age the 15 th day of June next and that he has known his said Father and Mother to live together as man & wife from his early recollection until the death of his said Father which took place about the 24 th day of January 1838 and their marriage have never been doubted or questioned and have often heard them speak of their marriage which took place about 1782 and he heard his said Father say that he had a family Record and got it lost by frequent moving and that he is now living with his said mother who have remained the unmarried widow of his Father Joseph French a Revolutionary Pensioner but do not now recollect the amount he drew sworn to & subscribed on the day and year aforesaid before me William French James J. Jeffries J.P.
I the Just subscribed magistrate do state that the deponent is personally known to me and known to be a man of truth and I have no doubt that all his statements are strictly true, and entitled to full faith and credit. Given under my hand this 22 nd of February 1844 James J. Jeffries J.P.

State of Tennessee Kentucky County I John H. Richardson clerk of the County Court of said Kentucky County do Certify that James I. Safford is a Justice of the peace as above and that the foregoing Signatures purporting to be his are genuine In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and Seal of said Court at Office the 3 day of May 1844 John H. Richardson clerk By R. S. M c Swain S.C.

TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
Second Comptroller's Office,
January 31 st , 1839.
Sir:
Under the act of the 6th of April, 1838 entitled "An act directing the transfer of money remaining unclaimed by certain Pensioners, and authorizing the payment of the same at the Treasury of the United States," the Widow of Joseph Frenche, a Pensioner on the Roll of the Nashville, Genl., Agency, at the rate of Twenty six Dollars and sixty six Cents per annum, under the law of the 7 th June, 1832, has been paid at this Department, from the 4 th of Sept., 1837, to the 24 th January, 1838, the day of his death.
Respectfully, yours,
Wilson H. Parry Comptroller.
To the Commissioner of Pensions,
Present.

Jamestown, Fentress County, Ten., January 22 nd 1839
Enclosed is the Pension Declaration of Mrs. Judah French, widow of Joseph French, dec d late a Revolutionary Pensioner of this county. She claims a Pension under the act of the 7 th July 1838, as the friend and attorney of Mrs. French.
I beg leave to subscribe myself Your most obt e humble Servant Robert Dabney
James L. Edwards Esq d Washington city, D. C., War Dept t ment, Pension office.

The Clerk of the of the County Court of Newton County France
Moussell 15 Aug

Elliott Crop Road Columbia City July the 23 1840
Dear Sir
I Enclose to you the affidavits of Henry Dillens if you will certify affix your seal and certificate to it and send it to Robert A. Dabney Morgan & Co - East Simmessee you will oblige your Humble servant
W. Doherty Clerk of Henry County of Overton Tenn
Williams Dabney
Livingston Tenn 20 Aug 22 one
Robert A. Dabney Esqr. Montgomery P.O. Morgan City Tenn
26

Columbia Ky.
May 28 th 1845
Sir
Enclosed I send you the declaration and proof in the case of Mrs Judith French Mr Wm Trabue the agent who is one of my constituents and friends requests that you will give this case your attention and directs me to say that he cannot obtain the license.
Please write me in reply to my letter dated sometime about the 8 th of April in relation to the case of Mrs. Cooper Mrs. Pierce &c.
Very Respectfully
Your O bt Servt Geo. A. Caldwell
Hon. J. L. Edwards Commr of Pensions

Pall Mall London 20th June 1845-
Sir enclosed you will find the affidavits of Davidson Jones and of Ann Howells in support of the Claim of Mrs Judah French an applicant for a Pension under several acts of Congress and the resolution of Congress &c. when the same is examined please communicate the result to me at the office I am very respectfully
Your most obt servant J. B. Kennedy
Col J. Edwards Esq. Commissioner of Pensions
Washington City D o War Department Pension Office

Morgan E. H. Jr 1824 Jan. 19
Amah Jan 23. 1874
Yours Frank
mail 3
Free
James L Edwards Esq Washington city D.C.
War Department Pension office

Morgan Courthouse Tennepsee January the 13, - 1841
Sir
your last communication to me dated some few weeks past, the date of which is not now recollected, and the letter misplaced or lost, Relative to the claim of Mrs, Judah French, widow of Joseph French deceased, of Tenter County Tennepsee claiming the Benefit of the act of Congress of 7 July 1838, granting Pensions
In said letter you refer to some letter previously sent to me wherein you sugges- ted, the necessity of proving his service, not having received any such letter to my now recollection, and having wrote to you, heretofore respecting her claim, and received several communica- tions from you not in anywise

doubting the service of the soldier I have thought it probable that you might have been overseen in the matter in some way, I once sou- ght information in the say case and received information from the office that you had no knowledge of having received her papers. I mention these things by way of soliciting you to reex- amine the whole matter and reporting the result, to me I do not think that I am doing any wrong in suggesting to you that Joseph French, the deceased soldier was a man of high standing as a soldier, and good standing as a man, and that he performed the service fully as alledged in his Decla- ration. I presume a view of the papers on which he was pensioned, will leave no doubts on your mind. I wish to discharge my duty to the widow

and in so doing I ask leave to be and remain your most obt humble Servt
Robert A. Dalesy
J L Edwards Esq Washington City D.C.

Morgan Courthouse Tennessee April 1: the 24. M. 1841
Sir
I have promised Mrs. Judith French (the widow of Joseph French deceased) in whose behalf I have forwarded a paper to enable her to ob- tain a Pension per act of July 9th 1841, that I will write to you requesting you to recommend her papers, and report to her as Sheriff as to the facts respecting her claim to a Pension you once wrote to me of having sent a letter to me in said case, which I had never received wherein you alleged, that you had required proof of said fact. Regarding Joseph French, I was led to suppose, that some mistake had taken place in the office, I have no reason upon the facts to doubt the service of said French he was in  the service by a Sol- dier of the State of Virginia and I am convinced, of the fact from long acquaintance and much knowledge, that no doubt rests among the citizens of Bedford County

of his services and particularly of his services at York Town Virginia,
I state these things not with a view of forcing my statements on you but for the purpose of seeking an in- vestigation in a fair way.
I am the faithful friend of Mrs. French while I have the honor to be your most ob't Serv't
Robert D. Dabney
J. L. Edwards Esq. Washington City D.C. War Dept Pension office

Palmetto, Sumter Co. 25th March 1845.
Miss
enclosed you will receive the Declaration of Mrs. Judah Tisnak with such evidence as she is able at this time to give in her case please communicate the result to me at the office.
I am very respectfully your most obedt servant J. L. Hennechy.
J. L. Edwards Esq. Comr of Pensions Washington City D. C. War Department Pension Office

Sir
Morgan Courthouse 2 nd May 14 th 1840
Enclosed is the affidavit of James D Bennett, & my own affidavit in support of the claim of Mrs. Judah French, widow of Joseph French deceased. Please to file the affidavits, with her other papers, in her said application, under the Law of July 7 th 1838, your communication respecting her claim bearing date at the Pension War office the 18 th April last has been duly received,
Respectfully your humble servant Robert H. Dabney
J. L. Edwards, Comr of Pensions Washington City D.C. Pension office

Morgan Courthouse Knoxville August 30th 1871
Sir
Enclosed is the affidavit of Henry Allen of Overton County Tennessee in support of the Claim of Mrs. Sarah French widow of Joseph French, Deceased a Revolu- tionary Pensioner that died in Overton County Tennessee. I have received your late report in said case, I have from a knowl- edge of the French family, and from the merits of the case a conviction of the justice of her Claim. I do not know of any source from which positive evidence can be obtained, as to the precise date of the marriage, but I am of opinion it was in one less or three years after the Revolution began, and I nearly believe it was not as much as five years after, I am disposed to make this statement under a conviction

of having discharged my duty in her behalf, and that only. I distinctly recollect that, my first impression in this case when I undertook, it was founded on the Statements, and talk at the time, I first drew the Doc- laration for the Board! Pensioner himself. I have no doubt that there might be more Evidence obtained that would show from the ages of the Children of Mrs. French and from corroborating circumstances that they were in fact husband and wife before the first of January 1894 of a circumstantial character, but I know of no other Positive evidence in her favour, than the Enclosed and that already adduced. I have this day recd the explanatory affidavit of Henry Dillon, through the aid of my brother, and the Clerk of Circuit County Limerick.
Your humble Servt.
Robert A. Dalby
J. L. Edwards
Commissioner of Pensions.

Morgan Courthouse Ten April 2nd 1840
James L Edwards Esq Sir,
Your communication to me bearing date at the Pension office the 18 March 1840, in reply to my letter of enquiry of the 28th February, last respecting the Pen- sion papers of Mrs Judah French widow of Joseph French has been duly received.
In answer to your intimation in your letter, I will state that the Pension Declaration of said Judah French widow also was believed filed at Jamestown in Fortrip County Tennessee, at or about the 20th Jan- uary 1839. Mrs Judah French lives in Fortrip County, I whose behalf I acknowledge the receipt of your communication to me, of the result of your investigation of her claim, which letter is as follows to wit:
War Department Pension office July 6, 1839

Sir
The papers in the case of Mrs Judah French, widow of Joseph French deceased, have been examined and filed with suspended cause. If there be no record proof of the marriage or of births of the children the period of marriage should be proved by persons, from personal knowledge, the testimony of the children is not sufficient
I am Respectfully your obt servt
J L Edwards
Robt A Dalbey Esq Morgan Co W Tennessee
your attention to this matter is most humbly and Respectfully
caught Your most obt
J L Edwards
R A Dalbey

Farmington
Tennessee.
July 23 rd 1833
I here enclose to the department the amended declarations of Joseph French & Bailey Owens. I hope they are sufficiently amended .. pleas to return the answer to Morgan Court house. Tennessee.
The attention of the department to this particular will confer a very great favor upon the applicants.
I am yours &c. —
J L Edwards Robt A Galney

Morgan Courthouse Tennessee Sept 9th 1839
Sir,
Enclosed is the affidavit of Mr Henry Allen of Overton County, Tennessee in Relation to the marriage of Mrs Judah French & her deceased husband Joseph French, late a Revolutionary Pensioner, and died in Shelby County you will please to give information to me after you have taken this affidavit into consideration in connexion with the other papers forwarded to you in her application for a Pension under the act of Congress passed July 7. 1838,
Respectfully your obedient Servant
Robert A Dalbey
J L Edward Esq Washington City DC War Dept Pension Office

Joseph Smith

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims, of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Joseph French- further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? Yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? No XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV. Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI. Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.